Has anyone stayed at this hotel and could give an opinion on what its like--what to expect?

Thanks in advance.

And while you are at it, how about the Heidelberg Marriot? Thanks

They are one and the same hotel. Used to be a Renaissance, now a Marriott...

It's a good, but not great, hotel. It's in Heidelberg along the Neckar River-- I've stayed there a couple of times and always gotten rooms with a river view but it's sort of out of the corner and mediocre.

It is walking distance, about 20 mins. or so, to the Hauptstrasse which is the main shopping street of Heidelberg. Just walk east along the river... the castle is at the end of the Hauptstrasse up the hill. Spectacular.

The rooms are average size for Germany so somewhat smallish. The staff is friendly, and the club lounge has a decent breakfast spread, a less impressive evening selection. The breakfast buffet in the hotel restaurant is outstanding and many rates for this hotel include breakfast.

It's a much better hotel than the Crowne Plaza in Heidelberg, though it's slightly farther from the action.

My top hotel choice in Heidelberg is actually the Hotel Europa in the main square(Der Europaische Hof...), which is a very luxurious German-style hotel, but the Marriott is fine.

Thank you, kv99! Just what I wanted to know--my choices are between this and the Crowne Plaza. Pros and cons are that the CP available with UA 50% coupons and LH bus from FRA airport direct to CP; I could not find rate w/bkfst included on Marriott website; also when I called reservations, the Sunday nite w/e rate was reasonable, but the price is almost doubled that rate for next two weekday nites! Ideas, anyone...?

The LH bus actually goes to the Marriott too (I thought it actually went only to the Marriott but could be wrong...). In any case a cab ride would be quick and cheap from one to the other. If I were you and not trying to get Marriott points, I'd go with the CP. Its closer to the action and is serviceable for a first visit to Heidelberg, esp. if cheaper.

ShuttleBug -- Feel free to email me privately if you have any more questions or want more tips.